Wildlife Safari 10-Day Mkomazi, Usambara Mountains & Saadani Safari
Mkomazi National Park (2) · West Usambara · East Usambara (2) · Saadani National Park (4) · Dar Es Salaam
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi safari: Mkomazi National Park covers 3,245 km² of dry bush between the Pare and Usambara mountains and the Kenyan border, where it joins Tsavo West.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October for general game viewing, when animals gather at the w...
- Trips1 sample trip
- Destinations nearbyWest Usambara, East Usambara
Mkomazi safari: what to know
Mkomazi National Park covers 3,245 km² of dry bush between the Pare and Usambara mountains and the Kenyan border, where it joins Tsavo West. It was a game reserve from 1951 and became a national park in 2008. It sees very few visitors, which is part of its appeal, and it protects two of Tanzania's most endangered animals.
What to know before you go
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Black rhino sanctuary
Black rhino were poached out of this area in the 1980s. Animals were later brought back and bred inside a large fenced, guarded sanctuary. A section opened to visitors in 2021, and it is now one of the few places in Tanzania where seeing a black rhino at reasonable range is likely. Visits are booked in advance through the park.
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Wild dogs and dry-country species
A long-running breeding programme has raised African wild dogs here for release into parks across Tanzania. On drives, Mkomazi offers species that most northern circuit visitors never see: gerenuk standing on their hind legs to browse, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx and large herds of eland, alongside elephant, giraffe, zebra and more than 400 bird species. Lion and leopard are present but shy.
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Getting there
The Zange gate is a few kilometres from the town of Same on the Arusha to Dar es Salaam highway, two to three hours from Moshi. Mkomazi works well as a stop between the northern parks and the Usambara Mountains or the coast.
When to visit Mkomazi National Park
June to October for general game viewing, when animals gather at the waterholes and dams. The park is greenest, with the best birding and clearest views of Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains, from November to April.
Where It Is
Mkomazi National Park and the other places we travel to nearby.
Mkomazi National Park
Trips that include Mkomazi National Park
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari Plan Your Safari to Mkomazi National Park
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Questions about Mkomazi National Park
Can you see rhinos in Mkomazi National Park?
Yes. Mkomazi has a fenced black rhino sanctuary with a visitor section opened in 2021. Visits are pre-booked and carry an additional fee, and sightings are very likely.
Is Mkomazi worth visiting?
Yes, if you want rhino, unusual dry-country antelope and a park with almost no other vehicles. It is not the place for big cat sightings or large herds.
How far is Mkomazi from Moshi?
Around two to three hours by road via the town of Same, which is beside the main park gate.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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